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APC Kwara Chairman Urges Bukola Saraki to Make Official Move to the Party
Claims of Discreet Engagements with APC Officials in Abuja
Sunday Fagbemi, the current Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, has publicly alleged that former Senate President Bukola Saraki has been holding secretive discussions with key APC figures in Abuja. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Fagbemi called on Saraki to cease these covert interactions and formally switch his allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Call for Alignment with Kwara State’s APC Leadership
Fagbemi stressed the importance of Saraki demonstrating genuine political allegiance by officially joining the APC and working closely with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration. He pointed out that a considerable number of Saraki’s erstwhile supporters have already defected to either the APC or the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling a notable realignment of political loyalties within Kwara State.
Assessment of Saraki’s Political Standing and Influence
Labeling Saraki as a politician driven by self-interest, Fagbemi minimized the former Senate President’s current political relevance. He remarked, “We generally refrain from amplifying such issues in the media because they hold little weight, especially given Dr. Bukola Saraki’s political trajectory.” Fagbemi further argued that Saraki lacks the steadfast support and credibility required to influence election outcomes both locally and nationally.
Survival Strategy Amid Declining Political Power
Fagbemi suggested that Saraki’s recent maneuvers are primarily survival tactics in light of his waning influence in Kwara politics. “Deprived of access to state government resources, Saraki appears to be leveraging connections with APC officials in Abuja to sustain his political relevance,” he explained. This, according to Fagbemi, highlights Saraki’s diminishing clout and the limited effectiveness of his current political strategy.
Political Shifts in Kwara State: A New Era
Since Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq took office, the APC has significantly strengthened its foothold in Kwara State. The 2023 general elections underscored this trend, with the APC capturing over 60% of the vote share, marking a decisive move away from the PDP’s former dominance. This evolving political landscape has created a challenging environment for figures like Saraki, where aligning with the ruling party is increasingly viewed as crucial for maintaining political influence.
Prospects for Kwara’s Political Future
As Kwara’s political environment continues to transform, the demand for Saraki to officially join the APC reflects broader themes of loyalty, influence, and strategic adaptation within Nigerian politics. Whether Saraki will respond to this call remains uncertain, but the mounting pressure from the state’s ruling party highlights the fluid nature of political alliances in today’s Kwara.
